In the early morning hours of
September 21, 1999, a devastating earthquake struck the central region of Taiwan.
This earthquake became known as the 921 earthquake or the "Ji-Ji" or
"Chi-Chi" earthquake. Shortly after the earthquake, MCEER contacted
fellow researchers at the National Center for Research on Earthquake Engineering (NCREE)
at the National Taiwan University. The two centers have
had a cooperative research agreement since 1995, and discussions focused on how to best
learn from the 921 earthquake. It was decided to conduct a workshop, where researchers
could identify important short term strategies/actions for post-earthquake restoration and
research needs, and develop specific cooperative projects for investigators from both
centers to work as teams based on the 921 experience.

Following brief presentations by Professor
Loh and colleagues about the 921 event, and additional presentations on restoration
strategies following the Kobe and Northridge earthquakes, the group began its
reconnaissance mission. MCEER and NCREE
investigators paired together to focus on specific areas.

Three MCEER products have resulted from this reconnaissance effort. Initial observations and
impressions of the team are reported in the MCEER Preliminary Response, which is provided below in Adobe Acrobat .pdf format (To view
the report, you'll the free Adobe Acrobat reader. If you don't already have a copy of the
reader, you can get it
here.) In addition,
a full-length reconnaissance report and a CD-ROM product are also available

Full Length Report

A full-length reconnaissance report, The Chi-Chi, Taiwan Earthquake of September 21, 1999: Reconnaissance Report, containing more detailed information, and jointly authored by MCEER and NCREE, focuses on areas of current and
future research collaboration. A Web-Based Summary of this Full-length Report is
available

CD with Photos and Report

MCEER has also produced a CD-ROM on the Chi-Chi earthquake. The CD-ROM, includes an extensive photograph collection from the earthquake and the full-color, complete text of
MCEER's reconnaissance report on the event. Over 450 high quality images are included and may be viewed in any web browser. The images can be used in printed
publications and presentations as long as the photographer and MCEER are credited. The accompanying reconnaissance report is in PDF format, and requires Adobe®
Acrobat®™ Reader 4.05. Learn more or order the CD-ROM.